Fedral government increases feeding allowance of inmates by 50%

The Nigerian government has reviewed the feeding allowance of all the inmates serving their respective terms in the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) across the country by 50 percent.

The increase will take effect from August 2024 as part of measures aimed at improving the welfare of inmates.

The Spokesman of the NCoS, Umar Abubakar, disclosed this at the Customs’ headquarters in Abuja on Thursday during a joint press briefing of all security agencies.

Abubakar said the increment was a result of the rising cost of food.

He said: “The viral video is not a representation of Nigeria Correctional Service, nor is it a mandate of the service on reformation and rehabilitation of inmates. Let me make this known here that since the inception of the name change, significant progress has been made in reforming those who are in our custody.

“Four days ago, I granted an interview where we gave details on the alleged video. The NCoS has ordered for detailed investigation of the said video, which is going viral. And on the outcome of the investigation, I may not be able to speak much on that.

“And on the issue of the cost of food, the Federal Government has reviewed the feeding allowance of inmates in our custody with 50 percent. And this is just the first phase of the review.”

It also disclosed that over 1,000 inmates are currently pursuing university degrees, while six are studying for PhD.

The increase in inmates’ feeding allowance follows a recent viral video in which inmates at a correctional center in Calabar, Cross River State, complained about inadequate feeding.

Umar also stated that the NCoS had created a conducive environment for inmates to fulfill its mandate of reformation and rehabilitation.

He added that over 1,000 inmates are undergraduates, 282 are on their diploma and Master’s degree, and six undergoing their PHD programs.

Umar said,  “Let me say here that currently to ensure that we have what I refer to as public safety through our reformatory activities, we have over 1,000 of our inmates who are going through their various degree programs, 282 doing their diploma and master’s degree program, and six that are doing their PhD program. Three of the PhD students are already writing their thesis.

“All this is geared towards our efforts to ensure that we change the psyche and behavior of our inmates and to help their re-entry back to society.

“It is the care we give to these inmates in our custody that has provided a serene environment to help them learn skill acquisition across our custodial center.”